The founder of the proposed R360 rugby competition, Mike Tindall, has declared his ambitious project remains on course to secure the signatures of over 200 players from across the globe, despite fierce opposition from established governing bodies.
A New Strategy of Friendship Over Fighting
Speaking to 7NEWS while in Australia as a Magic Millions ambassador, Tindall admitted the initial launch strategy needed refinement. He stated the reaction from rugby unions and bodies like the British and Irish Lions was not what R360 had intended.
"So we need to do a bit of friendship making," Tindall said. "The whole point of R360 is to enhance the game. It's not to come out fighting. It's supposed to be to help promote the game, hopefully drive a younger audience. But at the same time, we need to shake the game up a little bit."
High-Profile Meetings and Player Targets
Tindall's visit Down Under saw him rubbing shoulders with Queensland State of Origin coach and NRL legend Billy Slater, who is also a Magic Millions ambassador. Tindall joked about trying to poach the coaching great, saying, "I'm sorry Pete V'landys" in reference to the Australian Rugby League Commission chairman.
With the competition's start now pushed back to 2028, Tindall revealed the organisation is poised to announce a wave of signings once it gets the official green light. He confirmed to 7NEWS that more than 200 athletes are on the verge of committing.
Several prominent NRL stars are already linked to the breakaway league:
- Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Zac Lomax have all exited their club contracts recently.
- Asofa-Solomona is currently pursuing professional boxing, while Lomax is reportedly in talks to join the Melbourne Storm.
- Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas is also a key target for 2028, following news he only agreed to a one-year contract extension for 2027.
Governing Bodies' Stance and the Road Ahead
The R360 concept was labelled a major threat to both rugby league and union last year. In response, governing bodies vowed to ban any players who defected. The NRL took an especially hard line, threatening 10-year expulsions for players and agents who even engaged in discussions with the rebel league.
Despite these significant hurdles, Tindall remains optimistic. His revised approach focuses on collaboration and growing the sport's appeal, rather than direct confrontation. The coming years will test whether this strategy can successfully launch the R360 competition and attract the elite talent it promises.
